Kevin Burton was a Navy linguist when, suddenly, he started losing his sight. He took his new disability as an opportunity to become an elite athlete at the Sochi Paralympic games, in an event that requires shooting a rifle.

It's somewhat surprising that Russians are turning out in such numbers to see the Paralympics in Sochi. Even five years ago, that probably wouldn't have been the case, a disability rights advocate says. Russia's disabled have to be "everyday paralympians" just to get around.

Russia paid dearly to stage a world-class Olympics — $50 billion — and remake its image as a modern, efficient and friendly nation. But its Olympic success is quickly being forgotten and tarnished by Russia's moves in Ukraine.

Abkhazia remains in limbo. It became a de facto independent state from Georgia, which claims the territory, back in the 1990s. But just a handful of states — Russia, its largest benefactor, and about four others — recognize it as independent. And even though the most recent Olympics were in Russia, it wasn't invited to the party.

These days, we often admire sports stars as heroes because they are winners. Olympic Historian David Wallechinsky says that's not the Greek tradition, nor should it be the way we define Olympic heroes. He gives The Takeaway host John Hockenberry some examples of Olympians who fit his definition of hero.

Russia is projecting a new image at these Olympics: a helpful, welcoming Russia. Suddenly police are friendlier, politicians meet with activists, people are recycling. It's a version of Russia a lot of people would like to have, but it may not last beyond the games.

The worries about unfinished hotels and possible terrorism at the Olympics have receded as people the world over have become enthralled with the athletes and the competition. But when the games wrap up, Sochi residents are wondering if their city's big projects will get completed.

To get a taste of Sochi, without the hassle of traveling to Russia, step into New York's Brighton Beach neighborhood. The Russian enclave in Brooklyn is where you'll find the Olympic games on every available TV.

To get a taste of Sochi, without the hassle of traveling to Russia, step into New York's Brighton Beach neighborhood. The Russian enclave in Brooklyn is where you'll find the Olympic games on every available TV.

The Winter Olympics in Sochi have put a spotlight on Russian practices that don't comport with the rights and freedoms generally accepted in the west. But a Russian-born educator, who spent a long time living and working in the US after being forced out by the Soviet government, says we're not really helping move Russia forward.

India's Olympic athletes won't be able to fly their country's flag in the opening ceremony. And if they win, the Indian anthem won't play. In fact, the three athletes just learned this week that they would even be allowed to compete.

Yohan Goncalves Goutt is the first-ever Olympic skier representing East Timor —the small island nation in Asia. But do you know what East Timor is officially called at the Olympics? That's our flash Geo Quiz for you today.

If climate change goes as predicted, it is going to get harder and harder to find cities with the weather and infrastructure to successfully host the winter Olympics. And as winter retreats around the world, will people still even care about the winter games?

Abkhazia remains in limbo. It became a de facto independent state from Georgia, which claims the territory, back in the 1990s. But just a handful of states — Russia, its largest benefactor, and about four others — recognize it as independent. And even though the most recent Olympics were in Russia, it wasn't invited to the party.